Report: Deshaun Watson's Browns Contract Restructure 'Doesn't Rule Out' QB Addition

The Cleveland Browns agreed to terms on a restructured contract with quarterback Deshaun Watson this week, giving the team future flexibility while keeping Watson under center.

With the new deal, the Browns still owe Watson $92 million over the next two seasons, but his contract will be easier to manage when it expires after the 2026 season.

Though the restructuring still means the Browns are financially committed to Watson over the next few years, there's no guarantee that he'll be the starter. Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the restructured contract "doesn't rule out the possibility of adding competition to the QB room down the line."

The competition could come from one of the quarterbacks already on the roster like Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson, or from a new addition either from the draft or free agency.

Watson, in his third season with the Browns, is out of the year with a ruptured Achilles he suffered in October. When he was on the field, Watson was far from the 2020 version of himself that warranted the lucrative deal that Cleveland gave him.

He had just 1,148 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions through the first seven games, recording a career-worst 23.0 quarterback rating. The struggles could be from rust, as Watson had played just 12 games since 2020 coming into the 2024 season, but gaining some flexibility with a contract restructuring will make the Browns feel better if they decide to bench Watson in the future.